Pursuits in modern cellular electrophysiology are fraught with disagreements at a fundamental level. While the membrane theory of homeostasis deems the cell membrane and proteins embedded therein as the chief players, the association-induction (or sorption/bulk-phase) hypothesis considers the aqueous phase of dissolved proteins (cytoplasm/protoplasm) as the key determinant of cellular composition and ionic fluxes. In the first school of thought, trans-membrane potential (TMP) and selective ion pumps/channels are deemed as key operative principles. In the latter theory, sorption-desorption dynamics and rearrangements of bulk phase determine the outcomes. In both these schools of thought, theorists believe that the macroscopic phase electroneutrality holds, TMP (whether in resting or in activated state) results solely due to ionic concentration differentials across the membrane, and the concerned proteins undergo major conformation changes to affect/effect the noted outcomes. The new entry into the field, murburn concept, builds starting from molecular considerations to macroscopic observations. It moots "effective charge separation" and intricate "molecule-ion-radical" electron transfer equilibriums as a rationale for ionic concentration differentials and TMP variation. After making an unbiased appraisal of the two classical schools of thought, the review makes a point-wise analysis of some hitherto unresolved observations/considerations and suggests the need to rethink the mechanistic perspectives.
Keywords: action potential; association induction hypothesis; cell membrane theory; erythrocyte; homeostasis; murburn concept; neuron; trans-membrane potential.
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